Turmoil brewing over proposal to review Norwich charter

Wednesday

Nov 13, 2013 at 10:35 PMNov 13, 2013 at 10:35 PM

By Adam Bensonabenson@norwichbulletin.com 860) 908-7004

NORWICH — Outgoing Mayor Peter Nystrom is accelerating the process of possible charter revision during his final weeks of office — a move being questioned by alderwoman Deb Hinchey, who will be sworn in as mayor on Dec. 3.

On Monday, the City Council will decide whether to establish a Charter Revision Commission tasked with reviewing the document that regulates Norwich’s government.

Hinchey, a Democrat who defeated Nystrom in the Nov. 5 election, is balking at the proposal because it includes the names of seven people who Nystrom and Democratic aldermen Mark Bettencourt and Charlie Jaskiewicz believe should serve on the panel.

“If we’re going to have a commission, it should be a joint effort by the City Council to pick those participants,” Hinchey said. “I’m never close-minded about anything, but it’s the council’s responsible to work on that in total, not just a couple of people.”

Recommended members of the commission — who all live in Norwich — are: former Republican Alderwoman Linda Becker, former Democratic Groton City Clerk Debra Dickey, Chelsea Groton bank Vice President Mike Gualtieri, former City Manager Richard Podriguel, Brian Eckenrode, Kathleen Murphy and Robert Staley.

Becker said she was approached to serve on the commission and agreed to do so.

“I think that we have to go along with the times that are changing and adjust our rules and regulations to go along with the way life is moving,” she said.

Jaskiewicz said the names were considered carefully before being attached to Monday’s measure.

“One of the things we could have done but took right out of the picture was putting people with any links or political connections to people getting off the City Council,” Jaskiewicz said. “This is a diverse group of people with knowledge who want to step up and help the community.”

Hinchey, who defeated Jaskiewicz in a September primary before beating Nystrom on Nov. 5, has been opposed about opening the charter — something last done in 2001.

She said Wednesday that if majority support from the council exists, she’ll back the idea, but she wants to make sure each member can discuss the commission’s makeup before any vote is taken.

“I think it’s not appropriate for three people to set up who they think should be on the commission without the full input of the City Council,” Hinchey said.

She tersely questioned the maneuver in an email sent to Nystrom early Wednesday morning.

“Can you explain what this list is all about and who authorized you and Charlie to develop it?” Hinchey wrote.

Section 10 of the charter gives any member of the council the power to bring forward proposed legislation, including recommendations of appointees to city boards or commissions.

Nystrom, who for years opposed a charter revision, said he came around to the concept while campaigning for mayor and speaking with voters. He vowed to put the issue before aldermen prior to a new slate of candidates taking office next month.